RYA SRC Radio Operator Responsibilities

Question 1

What qualification is required to operate a VHF marine radio in UK waters?

Accepted Answer

Short Range Certificate (SRC)

Answer

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required to operate a VHF marine radio in UK waters. It is issued by the RYA and authorises the holder to operate VHF and DSC radio equipment.

Question 2

What does the Short Range Certificate (SRC) authorise?

Accepted Answer

Operation of VHF and DSC radios up to 25 watts

Answer

The SRC authorises the holder to operate VHF DSC radios up to 25 watts. It covers the GMDSS distress and safety procedures for the VHF frequency band only, not MF/HF or satellite systems.

Question 3

Under what circumstances may an unlicensed person operate a marine VHF radio?

Accepted Answer

In a genuine emergency to save life, any person may transmit

Answer

In a genuine emergency where life is in danger, any person may operate the radio to transmit a distress call, regardless of whether they hold an SRC. Saving life always takes priority over licensing requirements.

Question 4

Who is responsible for ensuring a VHF radio is operated correctly on a vessel?

Accepted Answer

The skipper (master) is ultimately responsible

Answer

The skipper (master) of a vessel is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all radio equipment is operated correctly and by appropriately qualified personnel. They hold overall responsibility for communications on board.

Question 5

What is the SRC holder's responsibility regarding false distress alerts?

Accepted Answer

They must take all reasonable steps to prevent false alerts and immediately cancel any accidental activation

Answer

An SRC holder must take all reasonable steps to prevent false distress alerts and, if an accidental activation occurs, must immediately cancel it using the correct DSC cancellation procedure and voice announcement to prevent unnecessary SAR deployment.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Radio Operator Responsibilities